Richard Shee facts for kids

Sir Richard Shee (born around 1550, died 1608) was an important Irish lawyer and politician. He held a high position as the Deputy Lord Treasurer of Ireland, which meant he helped manage the country's money. Sir Richard was a very well-known person in Kilkenny city. People remember him for helping shape the look of Kilkenny. He started the Shee Alms House to help people in need. His impressive tomb in Saint Mary's Church is also famous.

Who Was Sir Richard Shee?

His Family's Journey to Kilkenny

The Shee family came from a long line of Gaelic lords. They were originally from the Iveragh peninsula in County Kerry, in the southwest of Ireland. During the 1300s, his family moved first to Tipperary. Later, they settled in Kilkenny. Richard Shee's grandfather, Robert O'Shee, became very important there. He was even the sovereign (like a mayor) of Kilkenny city.

A Powerful Family in Kilkenny

Richard Shee was a key member of the powerful Shee family in Kilkenny. An expert named Cóilín Ó Drisceoil noted how important they were. The O’Shee family became strong friends with the ruling Butler (Ormonde) family. This friendship helped the Shees succeed in many ways. They gained political power and became very wealthy.

Their success is still seen today in Kilkenny. You can see it in buildings and sculptures they left behind. These include the Shee Alms House, their homes, and their family tombs.

Sir Richard's Life and Work

Shee Almshouse, Kilkenny.

Richard Shee was the oldest son of Robert Shee. His father was also a very important person in Kilkenny. Robert Shee served as the sovereign of Kilkenny twice. He was also a Member of Parliament (M.P.) for Kilkenny in 1559. Richard's mother was Margaret Rothe. She was the sister of John Rothe, who also served as sovereign and mayor of Kilkenny.

Becoming a Lawyer and Politician

Richard Shee chose to become a lawyer. He studied at famous law schools like Grey's Inn and King's Inns. In 1568, he became the seneschal of Kilkenny's Irishtown area. This was a local official role.

His career quickly grew. In 1570, the Bishop of Ossory gave him control of a large estate called Uppercourt. The next year, he became Treasurer for the Tipperary region. By 1576, he was made Deputy to the Lord Treasurer of Ireland. This high position meant he helped manage the country's money. Because of his important work, he was made a knight shortly after 1582.

Sir Richard worked closely with Thomas, Earl of Ormonde. This partnership helped him gain much more property and wealth.

Helping the Community: The Shee Alms House

Sir Richard Shee founded a special place called the Hospital of Jesus of Kilkenny. Most people knew it as the Shee's Alms House. It is located on Rose Inn Street in Kilkenny. This building was created to help poor people in the city. It still stands today and has even been used as a Tourist Information Office.

Sir Richard Shee passed away on August 10, 1608. He died at his home in Bonnetstown, which is near Kilkenny City.

Sir Richard's Family

Richard's Coat of arms on Shee's Almshouse in Kilkenny

Sir Richard Shee was married two times. His first wife was Margaret Sherlock from Waterford. His second wife was Margaret Fagan from Dublin. He did not have any children with his second wife.

Here are his children who survived him:

• Robert: He died in England before 1608 and had no children.
• Lucas of Uppercourt: He became a Member of Parliament. His oldest son, Robert, hosted an important meeting in Kilkenny in 1642. This meeting was for an independent Irish state (see Confederate Ireland).
• Thomas of Freneystown: He died without having children.
• John: He had a son named Richard and a daughter named Anne.
• Marcus of Sheestown: He was an ancestor of other Shee families. He also became Mayor of Kilkenny in 1631.
• Lettice: She married John Grace.
• Katherine: She married Edmund Cantwell.
• Margate: She married James Walsh.
• Isabel: She married David Rothe.

Shee Family Tombs

The tombs of the Shee family showed how wealthy and important they were in Kilkenny. Sir Richard Shee was buried in Saint Mary's Church in Kilkenny City. His grave has a beautiful engraved monument. In his will, he asked his son Lucas to build a fitting tomb for him. He wanted it to show his important place in the community.

He wrote in his will: "I want my body to be buried in my father’s burial place in my parish church of our Lady in Kilkenny. I ask my sons Lucas Shee, Marcus Shee, and John Shee to build a proper monument worth 100 marks sterling over my burial place."